With Marone's blessing, Dykstra quickly headed for Veterans Stadium's indoor batting cage. He later said he took "30, 40 swings;" hitting coach Denis Menke put the number at "20, 25."

Whatever. The point is, the team's offensive catalyst took a step forward, at a time when half the roster seems to be living in the trainer's room. Dykstra said, "Dr. Marone said I could swing, but that if it hurts, I should stop. [The collarbone] is still sore, but right now I couldn't have asked for better results."